KBB Brings Range-Based Pricing Over to Used Cars
Kelley Blue Book is following up its announcement last fall of range-based pricing for new cars with the launch of range-based pricing on used-car values. It’s expected to alleviate some of the friction from the shopping process by setting common expectations on pricing and valuation terminology for both buyers and sellers, according to Jared Rowe, president of Kelley Blue Book.
We Can Now Call it a Trend
Numbers from this past week have been similar to recent years – the depreciation is normal for this time of year.
Get Smart, Cut Costs
We were intrigued by some of the statistics cited in the GE Capital Fleet Services survey of fleet managers conducted at the recent NAFA I&E. For instance, 35% of the respondents named safety their main concern, but 67% said that the main focus of their company’s executive leadership is achieving cost savings. These goals appear to be at cross-purposes, but today’s fleet professional has a variety of technology tools to address the dual challenges.
Importantly, we also have access to outstanding industry events that offer educational sessions and networking opportunities to keep our skills up to the minute. Here are a few coming up in the next few months:
- Crack the Code of Global Fleet Management at NAFA’s 4th Annual International Fleet Academy
July 14-16 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, FL. Hurry: registration is limited for this unique learning experience. Register by June 9th and save $100!
- Learn Innovate Win – Improving Your Odds for Fleet Success at the AFLA 2014 Annual Conference
This popular gathering of fleet professionals will take place September 7-10 in Las Vegas at the M Resort Spa Casino. Register before June 2nd and save $115!
Janice Sutton
Executive Editor
Safety Still Fleet Managers’ Top Priority: GE Capital Fleet Services Survey
By Mike Sheldrick, Senior Editor, Fleet Management Weekly
Driver safety is the top priority of fleet managers, according to a GE Capital Fleet Services survey conducted at last month’s NAFA I&E. Thirty-five percent of fleet managers identified safety as their main concern, ahead of cost-saving goals (27%), and workforce productivity (22%). Driver safety was also fleet managers’ top concern at the 2013 NAFA I&E.
Nevertheless, 62% of those surveyed said that the main focus of their company’s executive (C-suite) leadership is achieving cost savings. The survey revealed a number of tactics to manage costs: 43% percent of respondents cited vehicle purchasing as the greatest opportunity for savings, followed by managing maintenance expenses (32%), and activating telematics and analytics solutions (22%).
Toyota Pulling the Plug on RAV4-EV
Toyota is pulling the plug on the RAV4-EV, the battery-electric version of the soft-roader it introduced two years ago with the help of electric vehicle start-up Tesla Motors.
This year’s phase-out of the RAV4-EV comes as the Japanese giant gets ready to launch its new hydrogen-powered FCV, which made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show last autumn. While it has been the most successful manufacturer of conventional hybrids, Toyota has repeatedly expressed its concerns about pure battery-electric vehicles relying on advanced lithium-ion batteries.
The move also comes as Tesla gets ready to launch its own, first battery-electric SUV, the Model X due to market sometime in 2015.
